Living a long and healthy life is something that most of us aspire to. But it’s not always easy to know what changes we can make to promote longevity and wellbeing.

Below are 10 simple adjustments you can make to help you live longer and improve the quality of your life:.

1. Eat a varied and balanced diet

What you eat plays a big role in your health and how long you live. Eating a varied and balanced diet helps ensure that you get all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to function properly.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases and improve your overall health.

2. Be physically active

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and a longer life. Exercise helps reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. It also helps improve your mental health and cognitive function.

3. Manage stress

Stress can have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems as well as physical health problems like heart disease and digestive issues.

Finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can help promote a longer, healthier life.

4. Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential for good health and longevity. It’s during sleep that our body repairs and rejuvenates itself. Lack of sleep can increase your risk of chronic diseases, weaken your immune system, and affect your mental health.

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

5. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are two of the biggest risk factors for chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can help reduce your risk of these diseases and promote a longer, healthier life.

6. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce your risk of these diseases and help you live longer.

7. Stay socially connected

Having social connections is important for both your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that people who have strong social networks tend to live longer and have better mental health.

Finding ways to stay connected with friends and family, such as through volunteering or joining a club, can help promote a longer, happier life.

8. Practice safe sex

Practicing safe sex can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. Untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems like infertility and certain types of cancer.

Using condoms and getting regular STI tests can help keep you healthy and promote longevity.

9. Stay up to date on health screenings

Regular health screenings are important for catching diseases early when they’re easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which screenings you need based on your age and health history, and make sure to get them on schedule.

10. Keep your brain active

Keeping your brain active through activities like reading, puzzles, and learning new skills can help improve cognitive function and reduce your risk of dementia.

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can also help improve your overall quality of life and promote a longer, healthier life.